Well, its a big match for us :).
We're without Knavs, the teamleader and an excellent defender. I think Italy are without a bunch of attackers, and that Lippi is trying out some defensive system in trainings, but i think the italians can say more about that.
Slovenia's team is alot different from the last time we played, when Slovenia won 1-0 in Italy i think, in 2002. I think Slovenia can get a satisfactory result from this.

Slovenia - Italy 1:0 :).

the slovenian coach will not call Zahovic anymore?

No, the coach dumped most of the old players, which was neccesary, because when 2006 comes around, these guys will be too old, including Zahovic. Plus hes been a real bitch about not being called up for the first friendly game with the new coach.

I don't mean to rain on your parade but 1-0 to Slovenia will never happen. Italy's defence is rock solid and Slovenia's attack is, let's be honest, not rock solid.

Italy was the only undefeated team at EURO 2004 (don't bother trying to object, I know the circumstances) and the attack is screaming with potential.

Slovenia lost at home to Latvia at home earlier this year so I don't see how they could beat Italy. I expect the Azzurri to win but I just hope they don't disappoint me yet again.

Forza Azzurri

Theres a new coach, half the team is new, the team that played and lost against Latvia was the ****tiest team Slovenia ever had, in terms of tactis, and player attitude.
And Slovenia beat Moldova 3-0, Italy beat them 1-0 :D.

who cares :D

we´ll win :D

dont you know that italy always wins by only one goal difference??? :crazyboy:

It should also be noted that Italy played away to Moldova. Slovenia played at home. :D

I predicted 1-0 for Slovenia because im Slovenian, and i'll never predict my team to lose :).

Just for fun, past results:

1994 Slovenia - Italy 1:1
1995 Italy - Slovenia 1:0
2002 Italy - Slovenia 0:1

wasnt that last game a friendly that we played with almost none of our stars????

I dont remember, all i know is there was some bull**** between the fans, and some fighting (i think the match was in Triesto, or whatever is the english name for that city near the border).

italy always play to the level of their opponents, not matter how good or bad they are

but when the opponents are rated lower than us, we win by a goal(H)

I think Italy will win...

i'm expecting a great game from Totti this time..

My prediction is 1-2

I'm expecing the usual, standard, default Italy win. 1-0 on some cross. The side will probably still play poor but win nonetheless.

Though I really hope Lippi and his crew can prove me wrong.

the U21 beat slovenia 3-0 in their qualifiyer, im hoping for a similar result:D

Originally posted by Drvar
Theres a new coach, half the team is new, the team that played and lost against Latvia was the ****tiest team Slovenia ever had, in terms of tactis, and player attitude.
And Slovenia beat Moldova 3-0, Italy beat them 1-0 :D.

great, having a team that has no idea how to play with eachother

Slovenia 0-2 Italia
Totti
Cannavaro

LIPPI SEARCHES FOR THE THIRD WIN
OFFENSE WITH TOTTI, TONI AND ESPOSITO
Celje October 8, 2004

Italy wants to start where it left off. One month after the two wins against Norway and Moldavia, the Azzurri coached by Lippi want their third win in the away match against Slovenia in order to consolidate their leadership in the standings. And to reach this objective, Lippi intends on taking advantage of his offensive potential, by lining up a 4-2-3-1 that is anything but careful.

At the Sporti Park stadium in Celje, even if Lippi usually does not anticipate the lineup, in addition to Buffon as goalkeeper, the lineup should be Bonera, Nesta, Cannavaro and Zambrotta on defense, Gattuso and De Rossi at midfield with the trio made up of Camoranesi, Totti and Esposito to support the up front forward, Toni.

A tested lineup with some slight changes as far as the players are concerned, in the test match that the team had on Wednesday against the Under 18. If the opponent's defense becomes to difficult to overcome, Italy could send in Gilardino and Di Vaio.

The Slovenia team is a young one and is strong both physically and technically, with some players that have an excellent international experience. The star of the team coached by Branko Oblak, who substituted the ex-Sampdoria player Srecko Katanec, is Milenko Acimovic, a talented three-quarter forward from Lille, and brother-in-law of a former star in Italy: the Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic. In addition to Acimovic, another strong players is Nastja Ceh, a midfielder who plays in Belgium with Bruges. On defense the team can count on captain Alexander Knavs, who plays in Germany with Bochum, and the left-footed wing Amir Karic (Fk Mosca). The offense will probably be made up of Ermin Siljak, and the young talent Zlatko Dedic, currently with Empoli.

Totti is back after 3 matches banned. And, Lippi is a type of coach testing new players like how many already ? 35 players during friendly ?

Slovenia are one of dark horses in Europe. My lucky guess, Italy will struggle alot in this match. 1-1 final result.

what?

game has started


2 mins in, nothing yet

forza azzurri

35th minute. Still no goals. :sleep:

first half over, the teams are equal. at the end of the half, the game dropped tempo, but other than that, good showing from Slovenia so far.

Best player for Italy: Camoranesi
Worse player for Italy: Bonera :-puke:

Gilardino will score in the 89th minute. :crazyboy:

No, seriously though, Italy has to win!!!

forza ragazzi di italia

I'm expecting some late goal or a 0-0 draw just like I predicted...

Originally posted by SB9Dragon
I'm expecting some late goal or a 0-0 draw just like I predicted...

yeah me too from what ive seen so far. We're playing with 1 striker, and he aint that much, so its gonna be hard for us to score, and Italy hasnt done much, so either they'll get lucky and win 0-1 or they wont get lucky :).

a combined total of 156 minutes hasn't yet produced one goal in the games of..

france - eire
slovenia - italy
spain - belgium

:kader:

I want some goals already

HERE WE GO AGAIN!! Italy is playing boring ass football when they have so much potential. There's no freakin gusto or will to score. I just watched Argentina play and they were excellent, they kept pushing for more goals and they were having fun. Italy always seems to disappoint me, after I get excited about their chances. :( :kader:

15 mins left.. prove me wrong Italy, PLEASE!!!

GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL


lets hold on bitches!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

This is a f-cking disgrace. (no offence)

:kader:

oh nooooooooo slovenia have hit the front!!!

:(

Originally posted by Drvar
Slovenia - Italy 1:0 :).

muahahah :). This is just great!

Go Slovenia!

FT 1-0 slovenia




feels like euro04 qualifiers.....return leg, we win 4-0(H)

What was the Italy line-up?

Somethings going terribly wrong

another shock result. :o

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

All Italians blame the result on pazzo :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Italy played with these players: Buffon, Zambrotta, Nesta, Cannavaro, Bonera, Gattuso, De Rossi, Camoranesi, Totti, Gilardino, and one more guy that mustve been invisible since i cant remember. The substitiutions were (not sure about this either): Toni, Di Vaio + one more :).

Not a real surprise..
Slovenia > Italy..
Simple really..

1-0? WTF:|

Originally posted by manutd4eva
:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

:D :rockman:

Originally posted by Ebonix
What was the Italy line-up?

Somethings going terribly wrong
Gianluigi Buffon
Daniele Bonera
Fabio Cannavaro
Alessandro Nesta
Mauro German Camoranesi
Daniele De Rossi
Gennaro Gattuso
Gianluca Zambrotta
Mauro Esposito
Alberto Gilardino
Francesco Totti

Subs
S Fiore for M Esposito (68)
L Toni for A Gilardino (68)
M Di Vaio for M Camoranesi (82)


Thats pretty much the A-Side
Just Missing Cassano, Pirlo and maybe Del Piero

something has gone terrubly wrong
but italy will qualify by the bearest of margins

Originally posted by italianstyle87
Gianluigi Buffon
Daniele Bonera
Fabio Cannavaro
Alessandro Nesta
Mauro German Camoranesi
Daniele De Rossi
Gennaro Gattuso
Gianluca Zambrotta
Mauro Esposito
Alberto Gilardino
Francesco Totti

that's the A-side? :|:|:| who the hell is Esposito? :|

Italy are a sad sad team :nape:

Originally posted by rony31
that's the A-side? :|:|:| who the hell is Esposito? :|

Italy are a sad sad team :nape:

Originally posted by italianstyle87

Thats pretty much the A-Side
Just Missing Cassano, Pirlo and maybe Del Piero

that's still pretty crap for missing 2 or 3 players

This isn't too much of a problem, all in all, we'll still qualify no problems. It's just a general shame.

But while we look on Italy in shock, we can say 'look at Portugal' and you can say... "damn!! and i thought italy sucked!!!"

at least Portugal got a point :brow:

Originally posted by rony31
at least Portugal got a point :brow:

:rofl:

:f***:

Bad day overall. Not only did they, lose but i cant really gloat about Portugal tying Lichtenstein:o

Didnt see the game (satellite was down at I-tal club(Y)), so i cant really judge Italys play.

One thing i can critisize is Lippi's lineup. Okay, ya, it was cute giving Esposito a callup to the NT, but that doesnt mean you have to start him. Gilardino was Italys top scorer last season, and he didnt get included in roster, let alone the starting lineup. So why does Esposito, who most ppl didnt even think was a candidate for being named to roster. Di Vaio shouldve started. Bad call by Lippi.

And come on, Bonera should not be starting for the NT. Lippi better suck it up and bring Panucci back into side, cause hes our best RB at the moment.

Oh, and good call not bringing a fit/pissed off/motivated Cassano into roster(Y).

(FIGC made a huge error in bringing in Lippi. didnt they learn there mistake with Trap? its time for a new type of coach)

Originally posted by Mikey
:f***:

Bad day overall. Not only did they, lose but i cant really gloat about Portugal tying Lichtenstein:o

Didnt see the game (satellite was down at I-tal club(Y)), so i cant really judge Italys play.

One thing i can critisize is Lippi's lineup. Okay, ya, it was cute giving Esposito a callup to the NT, but that doesnt mean you have to start him. Gilardino was Italys top scorer last season, and he didnt get included in roster, let alone the starting lineup. So why does Esposito, who most ppl didnt even think was a candidate for being named to roster. Di Vaio shouldve started. Bad call by Lippi.

And come on, Bonera should not be starting for the NT. Lippi better suck it up and bring Panucci back into side, cause hes our best RB at the moment.

Oh, and good call not bringing a fit/pissed off/motivated Cassano into roster(Y).

(FIGC made a huge error in bringing in Lippi. didnt they learn there mistake with Trap? its time for a new type of coach)


:o :o :o

Finally you saw the light. (H)

I would of started Oddo.

Originally posted by Mikey

Gilardino was Italys top scorer last season, and he didnt get included in roster, let alone the starting lineup.


are you referring to gilardino not gettin called up last season, or for the Slovenia, because he did play

Italy's starting line-up should be a 4-1-2-1-2

Buffon
Panucci/Oddo
Nesta
Cannavaro
Zambrotta
Gattuso
Camoranesi
Blasi
Totti
Toni/Gilardino
Cassano/Di Vaio


Bonera, Fiore, .... should never be called up.

we always need to make it interesting

why camoranesi, i thought we learned our lesson at euro

my preferred italy lineup

------------------buffon-------------------
panucci-nesta-cannavaro-zambrotta
-----------------gattuso-------------------
camoranesi-------------------------Pirlo
------------------Totti----------------------
-------Gilardino-------Cassano---------

on camo, he is the inform RM for italy atm
he has been good this season

Parisi should get a call up soon. This would be my starting 11.

----------------------------Buffon--------------------

Panucci--------------Nesta--------Cannavarro----------------Parisi

----------------------------------Gattuso-----------------------------

------------------Blasi------------------------Pirlo-------

----------------------------------Totti-----------------------

-----------------------Toni-------------Gilardino----------

Seriously, what excuses can we have to lose with a team like that?

He's the only one that can dribble(sometimes) and create chances. He's having a good year with Juve and he was Italy's best player in the 1st half before Lippi put him on the left :o because Esposito sucked there.



It hurts to say but I think we should have a coach like Zeman :-puke: to take Italy to the WC.

Originally posted by pazzo
Parisi should get a call up soon. This would be my starting 11.

----------------------------Buffon--------------------

Panucci--------------Nesta--------Cannavarro----------------Parisi

----------------------------------Pirlo-----------------------------

------------------Blasi------------------------Gattuso-------

----------------------------------Totti-----------------------

-----------------------Toni-------------Gilardino----------

Seriously, what excuses can we have to lose with a team like that?

Zambrotta?

Which player that I chose would you replace with Zambrotta?

Originally posted by pazzo
Parisi should get a call up soon. This would be my starting 11.



seriously, what excuse do you have for not having cassano in your XI

Zambrotta no1 LB on the planet
Pirlo should be at LM, and gattuso at DM
and blasi would create nothing at RM

ok ok take it easy. I just think Parisi is the man of the future, maybe not yet though.

I didn't put Cassano in because he needs to get his act together and stop acting like a spoilt baby.

edit: I noticed that DM mistake and fixed it straight away.

if parisi is the future, then zambro could go back to RM

Ok but just relax, I'm not the man in charge of Italy. My team was just what I'd like to see in the future. Ultimately, there are so many players to choose from that it's impossible for everyone to be happy.

To be honest though, I did forget about Zambrotta and maybe I misunderstood Blasi. He's been impressive this season though.

Parisi is 27-28.

I think he needs a chance too though. His free kicks are simply amazing. He's a great crosser too.

Zambrotta could go at RM to see what Parisi can bring to the NT. The guy could make a name for himself scoring on free kicks with the NT side.

Wow !

Slovenia :|

Originally posted by mark77
Parisi is 27-28.

I think he needs a chance too though. His free kicks are simply amazing. He's a great crosser too.

Zambrotta could go at RM to see what Parisi can bring to the NT. The guy could make a name for himself scoring on free kicks with the NT side.

is he better than pirlo?

Originally posted by italianstyle87
is he better than pirlo?

They play on different positions. Pirlo is better in front of the D. Zambrotta nad Parisi are LB's and can play at LM.

i was referring to FK taking/crossing

Originally posted by italianstyle87
i was referring to FK taking/crossing

sorry

I think Parisi is better and more exciting to watch.

at italianstyle: i was referring to Gilardino not being picked for Euro's, i know he played yesterday.

at mark: i said Bonera isnt at the quality to be starting for NT (at the moment at least), but I dont think hes as bad as you think. Im also surprised you feel Fiore is poor as well. And did you see todays game? if yes, how?


About Parisi: I already said it was pretty odd he wasnt called up, considering his great form and the fact that italys reserve LB's are currently Favalli (still good, but old) and Pancaro (old, and shouldnt be anywhere near NT). Its a DAMN shame Parisi is 'so' old though. I was really excited when i heard about how great he was for Messina last season, but than saddened when i heard he's at the peak of his career. Its not like Lippi totally ignored him though, he listed him in the 50 man roster, which means he is in his plans.

Anyways, with everybody healthy this is my starting eleven.

::::::::::::::::::: Cassano ::::: Gilardino ::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Totti :::::::::::::::::::::
::: Zambrotta :::::::::: *Gattuso :::: De Rossi ::::
:::: Parisi/ Favalli :::: Cann ::: Nesta ::::: *Oddo :::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Buffon :::::::::::::::::::::

* ideally id want Panucci at the RB spot, but because him and Lippi dont get along Oddo is second best choice i guess. This is definately one of Italys weak spots though. Hopefully someone new can emerge before WC tho.

If De Rossi can take over all defensive qualities, maybe Pirlo could take Gattuso spot.

I didn't see the game Mikey. I listened to it on the net. When Fiore came In yesterday you never heard his name after that. He plays 1 decent game every 5 games. Bonera will never be a NT contender IMO.

:o How could I have forgotten about De Rossi in my starting 11.

France 0:0 République d'Irlande :rolleyes:
Macédoine 2:2 Pays-Bas :rolleyes:
Ukraine 1:1 Grèce :rolleyes:
Liechtenstein 2:2 Portugal :rolleyes:
Slovénie 1:0 Italie :rolleyes:

...no comment...

well this just sucks big fat hairy balls

anyone have highlights?

Em no, but i can describe a few things, i know it aint that interesting to read about it, but still.

The goal: Free kick into the box from the right side, defender Cesar heads in a diving header.

In the first half, Slovenia had a corner, Acimovic slightly deflected it, and Zambrotta, trying to send it out of play, hit the upper bar, if the ball was a centimeter or two lower, that wouldve been a nice own goal :).

In the second half, Toni gets to the ball from a cross i think, gets rid of his marker, turns around a meter or two away from the goalie, is totally free, and slams the ball into the upper bar. This was also the most beautiful chance for Italy in the game.

Originally posted by bertrandcantat
France 0:0 République d'Irlande :rolleyes:
Ukraine 1:1 Grèce :rolleyes:

...no comment...
Did you expect something else?

Slovenia defeated Italy twice. :o

There's still a chance for Italy when they play against Slovenia at home to win the group.

congrats to all the slovenians, thats one hell of a result.

why the hell did Esposito play ahead of Di Vaio?and who the hell IS Esposito:| I really don't get why Lippi tried out a different squad with a a side that's becoming somewhat of a bogey team for Italy:kader: and Oddo should come into the RB position ahead of Panucci. this should be the lineup:

------------------Buffon-------------------
Oddo---Nesta----Cannavaro---Parisi
--------------------Pirlo-------------------
Camoranesi------------------Zambrotta
------------------Totti----------------------
-------Gilardino-------Cassano----------

Originally posted by pazzo
I don't mean to rain on your parade but 1-0 to Slovenia will never happen. Italy's defence is rock solid and Slovenia's attack is, let's be honest, not rock solid.

Italy was the only undefeated team at EURO 2004 (don't bother trying to object, I know the circumstances) and the attack is screaming with potential.

Slovenia lost at home to Latvia at home earlier this year so I don't see how they could beat Italy. I expect the Azzurri to win but I just hope they don't disappoint me yet again.

Forza Azzurri

:kader:

You're so full of yourself. Take the chill pill as suggetsed by the mods and change your attitude.